A young Venezuelan, identified on TikTok as Frank Luis (@frankluis689), has become the center of a heated debate on social media after sharing his story of overcoming challenges in Spain.
Doctor by training, he emigrated to the European country in search of better opportunities and to escape the dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro, but things were not simple. He had to start from scratch, working as a waiter to support his family.
After years of effort and perseverance, Frank managed to validate his medical degree and is ready to practice as a doctor, although he still works at the bar while awaiting a job offer as a physician.
The story has not only garnered applause but also sparked divided opinions on social media regarding the quality and recognition of doctors trained in Latin America.
Some users expressed their unconditional support, highlighting the sacrifice and resilience of these professionals. However, others took the opportunity to question the Spanish homologation system and the medical training in Latin American countries.
“Studying medicine in Latin America is like completing secondary education in Spain,” wrote a user. Another replied: “I don’t understand the hatred people have for someone who works hard and isn’t too proud to serve drinks at a bar. Dude, go for it, you deserve the best.”
In the controversy, comments from Spaniards stood out, recognizing the value and professionalism of the migrant doctors. “The best doctors I have ever seen are Latinos, especially the Cubans. Welcome, you will be an excellent doctor!” commented a user.
The case of the young Venezuelan also brings to light the difficulties faced by foreign professionals in validating degrees in Spain, a process that many describe as slow and bureaucratic.
In October 2024, President Pedro Sánchez committed to streamlining the validation processes and to presenting reforms that would allow for a quicker integration of migrants into the labor market.
Cuban doctors have also faced these challenges. Last year, the Illustrious Official College of Physicians of Madrid (ICOMEM) allowed the registration of doctors from the island without requiring a certificate of no disqualification, a significant step for those who have been fighting for years to practice their profession in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Recognition of Latin American Medical Degrees in Spain
What are the main challenges faced by Latino doctors to have their degrees recognized in Spain?
The main challenge is the delay in the accreditation process, which can extend for years, forcing professionals to work in jobs unrelated to their training. This situation particularly affects Cuban and Venezuelan doctors, who have reported discrimination and arbitrary stalling of their files.
What measures has Spain taken to expedite the process of recognizing medical degrees?
In October 2024, President Pedro Sánchez pledged to streamline the homologation process and introduced reforms to integrate migrants more quickly into the labor market. Additionally, the Illustrious Official College of Physicians of Madrid has allowed Cuban doctors to register without requiring a certificate of non-disqualification, thus facilitating their access to professional practice.
How is the quality of Latino doctors perceived in Spain?
Although there are divided opinions on social media, many Spaniards acknowledge the value and professionalism of Latino doctors. However, some internet users question the Spanish recognition system and medical training in Latin America, leading to a debate about the quality and recognition of these professionals in the country.
What impact does the delay in the recognition of degrees have on the Spanish healthcare system?
The delay in the recognition of qualifications significantly affects the Spanish healthcare system, contributing to the shortage of medical personnel. This situation compromises care for nearly 500,000 patients and limits the integration of qualified professionals who could enhance the country's healthcare system.
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